TheCable

Police in Imo state have rescued 19 ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) abducted by suspected gunmen.

Confirming the incident, Chinenye Chijioke-Osuji, INEC spokesperson in the state said the 19 INEC ad-hoc staff were on their way to seven different polling units in Ugbelie ward 06 in Ideato South LGA of Imo when they were abducted.

Chijioke-Osuji also said the rescue took place after a distress call and information about the incident were made to the operatives who immediately swung into action.

She added that even though they were rescued, all the election materials which include BVAS and sensitive materials were not recovered.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to INEC chairman, confirmed the incident to TheCable.

Oyekanmi said the gunmen reportedly diverted the election materials to an unknown place.

“But fortunately for them, the security agents were quickly mobilised and went after the bandits and they were able to rescue all of them but without the materials,” he said.

“We expect full details from the police on the election materials but the relief we have is that all staff were rescued unarmed.

“We await further details from the police.”

The electoral body on Thursday began the deployment of officials with election materials to various states before the governorship and state house of assembly elections.

The police had assured Nigerians of providing adequate security during the elections.